Tipiracil + Trifluridine
Find more information about this combination medication at the webpages for trifluridine
Colorectal Neoplasms
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Drug Status
Government Approvals
US(FDA), UK(BNF)
WHO Essential Medicine
NO
Known Teratogen
No
Pharmaceutical Class
Nucleoside Analog Antiviral
Controlled Drug Substance
No
Summary
Tipiracil and trifluridine are used to treat metastatic colorectal cancer, which is cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. This combination is often used when other treatments have not been successful or are no longer effective. By targeting cancer cells and preventing their growth, these drugs help slow disease progression and improve quality of life for patients with advanced cancer.
Trifluridine, which is a nucleoside analog, disrupts the DNA of cancer cells, stopping them from growing and dividing. Tipiracil helps by preventing the breakdown of trifluridine in the body, allowing it to remain active for longer and enhancing its effectiveness. Together, they work to slow down the progression of cancer and can lead to a reduction in tumor size.
The usual adult dose of tipiracil and trifluridine is based on body surface area, which is calculated using height and weight. Typically, the medication is taken orally twice daily on days 1 through 5 and days 8 through 12 of each 28-day cycle. It's important to follow the dosing schedule prescribed by your healthcare provider and not to adjust the dose without consulting them.
Common side effects of tipiracil and trifluridine include nausea, vomiting, and fatigue, which are typical of many chemotherapy treatments. Trifluridine can cause low blood cell counts, leading to increased risk of infections, anemia, and bleeding. Tipiracil may also contribute to these blood-related side effects by enhancing trifluridine's action. Significant adverse effects can include severe diarrhea and abdominal pain.
Tipiracil and trifluridine come with important warnings, including the risk of severe bone marrow suppression, which can lead to low blood cell counts. This increases the risk of infections, anemia, and bleeding. The medicines are contraindicated in pregnancy due to potential harm to the fetus. Breastfeeding is also not recommended. Patients with severe liver or kidney problems should use these drugs with caution.
Indications and Purpose
How does combination of Tipiracil and Trifluridine work?
Tipiracil and Trifluridine are two medicines that work together to treat cancer. Trifluridine is a type of medicine called an antimetabolite, which means it interferes with the DNA of cancer cells, preventing them from growing and multiplying. It gets incorporated into the DNA of the cancer cells, which disrupts their function and leads to cell death. Tipiracil, on the other hand, is not directly involved in killing cancer cells. Instead, it helps Trifluridine work better by preventing it from being broken down too quickly in the body. This means Trifluridine can stay in the body longer and have a greater effect on the cancer cells. Both medicines are taken together to enhance their effectiveness. While Trifluridine directly targets the cancer cells, Tipiracil supports its action by increasing its availability in the body.
How effective is combination of Tipiracil and Trifluridine?
Tipiracil and Trifluridine are two substances that work together to treat certain types of cancer. Trifluridine is a type of drug called an antimetabolite, which means it interferes with the DNA of cancer cells, stopping them from growing and multiplying. Tipiracil, on the other hand, helps to maintain the levels of Trifluridine in the body by preventing its breakdown, which enhances its effectiveness. Both substances are used together in a single medication to treat colorectal cancer, which is cancer of the colon or rectum, and they have been shown to improve survival rates in patients. The combination of these two drugs is effective because Trifluridine directly attacks the cancer cells, while Tipiracil ensures that Trifluridine remains active in the body for a longer period, making the treatment more effective overall.
Directions for Use
What is the usual dose of combination of Tipiracil and Trifluridine?
The usual adult daily dose for Tipiracil and Trifluridine, which are combined in a single medication, is based on body surface area and is typically taken twice a day on days 1 through 5 and days 8 through 12 of each 28-day cycle. Tipiracil, which is a thymidine phosphorylase inhibitor, helps to maintain the levels of Trifluridine, which is an antineoplastic agent that interferes with DNA synthesis in cancer cells. Both medicines work together to treat certain types of cancer, such as colorectal cancer. They share the common attribute of being part of a combination therapy that targets cancer cells, but they have unique roles: Trifluridine directly attacks cancer cells, while Tipiracil supports its effectiveness by preventing its breakdown.
How does one take combination of Tipiracil and Trifluridine?
Tipiracil and Trifluridine are often used together in a combination medicine to treat certain types of cancer. This medicine should be taken with food to help reduce the risk of stomach upset. It's important to follow your doctor's instructions on how to take this medicine. Tipiracil, which is a thymidine phosphorylase inhibitor, works by slowing down the growth of cancer cells. Trifluridine, which is an antimetabolite, interferes with the DNA of cancer cells, preventing them from multiplying. There are no specific food restrictions while taking these medicines, but it's always a good idea to maintain a balanced diet. Both medicines share the common goal of targeting cancer cells, but they do so in different ways. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice and to ensure you are taking the medicine correctly.
For how long is combination of Tipiracil and Trifluridine taken?
Tipiracil and Trifluridine are often used together in a combination treatment for certain types of cancer, such as colorectal cancer. The typical duration of use for this combination is usually determined by the treating physician based on the patient's response to treatment and any side effects experienced. Tipiracil, which is a thymidine phosphorylase inhibitor, helps to maintain the levels of Trifluridine in the body by preventing its breakdown. Trifluridine, which is an antimetabolite, works by interfering with the DNA of cancer cells, preventing them from growing and dividing. Both medicines are taken orally in the form of tablets. They share the common goal of slowing down the progression of cancer. However, the specific role of each drug in the combination is unique, with Tipiracil enhancing the effectiveness of Trifluridine.
How long does it take for combination of Tipiracil and Trifluridine to work?
The time it takes for a combination medicine to start working depends on the individual medicines involved. For example, if the combination includes ibuprofen, which is a pain reliever and anti-inflammatory drug, it typically starts working within 20 to 30 minutes. On the other hand, if the combination includes paracetamol, which is another pain reliever, it usually begins to work within 30 to 60 minutes. Both medicines share the common attribute of providing pain relief, but they work in slightly different ways. Ibuprofen reduces inflammation, which refers to swelling and redness, while paracetamol works mainly by blocking pain signals in the brain. When combined, these medicines can offer more comprehensive pain relief, but the exact time to feel the effects can vary based on the specific combination and individual response.
Warnings and Precautions
Are there harms and risks from taking combination of Tipiracil and Trifluridine?
Tipiracil and Trifluridine are used together to treat certain types of cancer. They share some common side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which refer to upset stomach, throwing up, and loose stools, respectively. Both drugs can also cause fatigue, which means feeling very tired, and a decrease in appetite, which means not feeling hungry. Unique to Tipiracil, it can cause anemia, which is a condition where you have fewer red blood cells than normal, leading to tiredness and weakness. Trifluridine, on the other hand, can cause eye irritation, which means your eyes might feel itchy or sore. Significant adverse effects for both include a risk of low white blood cell count, which can make you more prone to infections. It's important to monitor blood cell levels regularly while on these medications to manage these risks effectively.
Can I take combination of Tipiracil and Trifluridine with other prescription drugs?
Tipiracil and Trifluridine are used together to treat certain types of cancer. Tipiracil, which is a thymidine phosphorylase inhibitor, helps to maintain the levels of Trifluridine, which is an antineoplastic agent that interferes with the DNA of cancer cells to stop their growth. When using these medicines, it's important to be aware of potential drug interactions. Both drugs can interact with other medications that affect the bone marrow, which is the soft tissue inside bones where blood cells are made. This can increase the risk of side effects like low blood cell counts. Unique to Trifluridine, it may interact with other drugs that affect DNA synthesis. Tipiracil, on the other hand, may interact with drugs that affect liver enzymes. Always consult a healthcare provider to manage these interactions effectively.
Can I take combination of Tipiracil and Trifluridine if I am pregnant?
Tipiracil and Trifluridine are two substances used together in a medication to treat certain types of cancer. Tipiracil, which is a thymidine phosphorylase inhibitor, works by stopping cancer cells from growing. Trifluridine, which is a nucleoside metabolic inhibitor, interferes with the DNA of cancer cells, preventing them from multiplying. When it comes to pregnancy, there is limited information available about the safety of these substances. Both Tipiracil and Trifluridine can potentially harm an unborn baby, as they may affect cell growth and DNA. Therefore, it is generally advised that pregnant women avoid using these medications unless absolutely necessary. Both substances share the common attribute of being used in cancer treatment and having potential risks during pregnancy. However, they work in different ways to achieve their effects on cancer cells.
Can I take combination of Tipiracil and Trifluridine while breastfeeding?
Tipiracil and Trifluridine are two substances used together in cancer treatment. When it comes to breastfeeding, there is limited information available about their safety. Tipiracil, which is a thymidine phosphorylase inhibitor, and Trifluridine, which is a nucleoside analog, both work to stop cancer cells from growing. However, their effects on a breastfeeding infant are not well-studied. Both substances are known to be potent and can potentially cause harm if passed through breast milk. Therefore, it is generally advised that breastfeeding should be avoided while taking these medications. This precaution is due to the potential risk of serious side effects in the nursing infant. If you are considering breastfeeding while on these medications, it is crucial to discuss it with your healthcare provider to weigh the risks and benefits.
Who should avoid taking combination of Tipiracil and Trifluridine?
Tipiracil and Trifluridine are used together to treat certain types of cancer. It's important to know that both can cause a drop in blood cell counts, which means fewer red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This can lead to increased risk of infections, fatigue, and bleeding problems. Regular blood tests are needed to monitor these levels. Trifluridine, which is an antiviral medication, can cause nausea and vomiting. It's important to take it with food to help reduce these side effects. Tipiracil, which is a thymidine phosphorylase inhibitor, can cause diarrhea and fatigue. Drinking plenty of fluids and resting can help manage these symptoms. Both medications should not be used during pregnancy as they can harm the unborn baby. It's crucial to use effective birth control during treatment. Always discuss with your doctor any other medications you're taking to avoid interactions.
